The Miami Dolphins have hired former Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley as their new head coach, ending a swift search to revive a franchise that has not won a playoff game in 25 years. Meanwhile, reports indicate that the Tennessee Titans have hired San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. Hafley replaces Mike McDaniel, who was fired earlier this month after four seasons with a 35-33 record. The Dolphins also parted ways with longtime general manager Chris Grier during the season, signaling a major organizational reset. Dolphins owner Stephen Ross praised Hafley, calling him “an accomplished coach with a proven track record as a leader and motivator.” Ross added, “Jeff has tenacity and grit, while establishing trust with his players to get the most out of them. I believe great things are ahead for the Miami Dolphins with Jeff leading the way.” Hafley, 46, spent two seasons as Green Bay’s defensive coordinator after leaving his role as Boston College’s head coach in 2024. He previously coached San Francisco’s defensive backs from 2016 to 2018 and worked two years with Cleveland’s secondary. Hafley will join new GM Jon-Eric Sullivan, who spent 22 seasons with the Packers before taking over in Miami. Sullivan called Hafley “a man of integrity, intellect, and great passion,” noting that the coach has a clear vision for building a winner in Miami. During Hafley’s tenure in Green Bay, the Packers’ defense ranked in the top 10 of the NFL in yards per play, yards per pass, goal-to-go percentage, and quarterback hits. Packers players spoke highly of him, though many expected Hafley to pursue head coaching opportunities this offseason. “That’s the beauty and challenge of this profession,” Packers safety Javon Bullard said. “You want everyone to succeed and level up, and Jeff getting this opportunity is a big deal.” Hafley also interviewed for Tennessee’s coaching vacancy before reports surfaced that the Titans hired Saleh. Saleh, 46, spent the 2025 season as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator and previously coached the New York Jets for over three seasons. Despite going 20-36 in New York and failing to post a winning season, Saleh maintained a strong reputation and was highly sought after in this NFL coaching cycle. The hiring continues Ross’s trend of selecting candidates without prior NFL head coaching experience. Since taking majority ownership in 2009, Ross has opted for coaches such as Joe Philbin, Adam Gase, Brian Flores, and McDaniel, instead of proven NFL head coaches. The Dolphins are now facing critical decisions at quarterback. Former first-round pick Tua Tagovailoa was benched for the final three games of 2025 after posting 2,660 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. Tagovailoa signed a four-year, $212.4 million extension in 2024 and is guaranteed $54 million for 2026, making a release financially challenging. Other candidates interviewed during the Dolphins’ coaching search included Kevin Stefanski, now with Atlanta; Seattle offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak; Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula; and Jacksonville defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile. With Hafley at the helm and GM Sullivan steering the roster rebuild, Miami hopes to return to sustained success and finally break its long playoff drought.